This Shabbos we discussed parsha Yitro, including commentary from Rav Yeager. We also discussed the prohibitions against working on Shabbos. David Schlesinger led discussion.
We discussed that there are 39 categories of work that are prohibited on Shabbos. We discussed how the work we are prohibited from performing on Shabbos is that work which was involved in creating the mishkan. Dave W pointed out that only 1 of the 39 categories of work is explicitly mentioned in the Torah. This is the prohibition against creating fire.
We discussed that much of the work that is prohibited, is not allowed because of rabbinic halakhah. Two examples we discussed are playing music on Shabbos and riding a bicycle. The Rabbis were concerned that we might be tempted to repair musical instruments and bicycles on Shabbos. We discussed how with bicycles, there was the additional concern that we risked tearing down tree branches.
We discussed 2 exceptions to the prohibition against work on Shabbos. One of these is in order to save a life. We discussed that “saving a life” is defined very broadly. If we have any doubt whatsoever, we are not only permitted to do normally prohibited work, but we are commanded to do so. It is very important to consult with a Rabbi on this. The other exception, is the permissibility of doing sacrifices on Shabbos.
We discussed situations in which we are commanded, or at least expected, to “have” certain emotions. For example, at a funeral we are sad. And at a wedding we are joyous. David pointed out that it can be hard to turn emotions off and on, so what we are really commanded to do is actions, which often lead to the emotions or at least support the emotions of others. For example, at a wedding we dance even if we don’t feel like it. At a funeral, we refrain from the type of socializing and joking we would do at a kiddush.
We discussed parsha Yitro, and how at first Moshe wanted to be the sole source of knowledge, with everyone coming to him for advice and dispute resolution. Moshe believed that the best way to teach knowledge would be for him to give advice to people with respect to events happening in their lives. Yitro, however, had a different model, and encouraged Moshe to appoint and delegate to others. Eventually Moshe agreed, and followed Yitro’s advice.
We discussed how concentration of knowledge can be a problem for society, just as concentration of wealth. However there are some advantages in concentrating knowledge - as we can see from later in the parsha with what happens at Mount Sinai. We discussed how the people begged Moshe to be their source of knowledge, rather than receiving it directly from Hashem. The people could not handle the intensity of Hashem’s revelation directly.
We discussed how there are only 2 places in the Torah that the phrase “lo tov” is used. One of these is in the week’s parsha, when Yitro says it is “lo tov” that Moshe is trying to do everything. The other place is in Beirishit when Hashem says it is “lo tov” that Adam is alone. Dave W pointed out that Adam was very lonely. We discussed how we were not created to be alone, and this is why Hashem created this emotion of loneliness. We were meant to join with others in our homes and communities. I related to all this personally.
Finally, we discussed that we have holidays that were determined by the Rabbis, however these were already hinted to in the Torah. Months such as Tevet have always been known as sad months. Months like Adar, have always been known as happy months but it was not until later that the holiday of Purim was instituted.
This is a summary of what we discussed. No halachic rulings are intended or should be inferred.
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